Longevity is no longer just about living longer... It’s now about living better. As wellness evolves into a more science-led, preventative discipline, few names have shaped the conversation as profoundly as Clinique La Prairie.

With a legacy rooted in medical innovation and personalised care, the pioneering Swiss clinic has brought its longevity philosophy to Dubai, responding to the region’s growing appetite for health solutions that extend far beyond traditional spa or wellness experiences.

In this conversation, Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, discusses the future of longevity, the rising importance of mental wellbeing, and how technology, personalisation and prevention are redefining what it means to live well, not just longer.

We’re sitting inside your Dubai space today. What inspired the decision to launch here, and why the UAE?

Dubai is a natural extension of our ecosystem. We operate large-scale health resort clinics in destinations such as Switzerland and China, where guests typically stay for a week. Alongside these, we’ve developed what we call longevity hubs, urban, day-visit clinics designed for follow-up care and accessibility. Dubai was a clear choice for three reasons: many of our Swiss clients come from the region, we found the right hospitality partner in One&Only, and there is a growing understanding here that longevity goes far beyond spa or wellness. The response since opening has been exceptional.

Longevity has become something of a buzzword recently — yet you were speaking about it long before it was fashionable. How do you stay ahead?

Longevity is a structured process. It begins with deep diagnostic assessment, genetic, epigenetic and metabolic testing, to truly understand how the body functions. Then comes intervention, built around four pillars: medical care, nutrition, wellbeing and movement. Finally, there is continuous follow-up. Staying ahead means remaining at the forefront of assessment technology while delivering highly personalised care. We recently launched our Longevity Master Assessment, analysing 300 biomarkers. This level of insight allows us to anticipate health risks long before symptoms appear.

Mental well-being has become a major focus globally. How does that fit into your longevity philosophy?

It’s fundamental. Extending life without addressing mental well-being has no meaning. Statistically, one in four people faces serious mental health challenges, and burnout now affects one in two professionals. We developed a programme called Life Reset, built around the nine hallmarks of mental wellbeing. Longevity is not just about lifespan — it’s about healthspan. Our aim is to reduce the years lived in poor health and help people live fulfilled, balanced lives for as long as possible.

How do you ensure these benefits last once clients return to everyday life?

Information alone doesn’t change behaviour — transformation does. During a stay, we focus on creating an identity shift. Clients work with psychologists, coaches and therapists, and they leave with practical tools: breathing techniques, meditation practices, personalised supplements and routines. The goal is to equip them to face the same pressures differently when they return home.

You’re opening a major health resort in Amaala, Saudi Arabia. What can we expect?

Amaala is a landmark project — a 50-room health resort representing a USD 500 million investment. It aligns with our Swiss clinic in terms of medical excellence, while integrating elements of local culture and environment. Around 20 per cent of each resort is customised to its location — in Amaala’s case, the sea will play a key role. It’s part of our long-term strategy to operate ten health resorts globally.

Are GCC clients asking for anything different?

The region is extremely informed. Stem cell therapies are particularly popular, but we always emphasise the importance of medically supervised treatment. Our approach is science-led, not trend-driven.

Are you using AI to personalise programmes?

Yes — but as a support, not a replacement. AI helps our doctors interpret complex data sets, such as hundreds of biomarkers, identifying patterns no human could connect alone. However, we firmly believe that humans change humans. The doctor–patient relationship remains central.

Finally, what does the future of wellness and longevity tourism look like?

We distinguish between medical tourism, which treats disease, and wellness-led longevity tourism, which focuses on prevention and optimisation. Our clients range from leisure seekers to longevity enthusiasts. What unites them is a desire to live better. The future lies in consistency — integrating medical check-ups, movement, nutrition and mental wellbeing into daily life. Longevity isn’t a one-week fix; it’s a lifelong practice.